Judge Sets Hunter Biden’s Date in Court Over Tax and Gun Charges

First Court Appearance Scheduled for Hunter Biden

A federal judge has set a date for President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, to appear in court. Hunter Biden is facing charges related to taxes and firearms.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, appointed by former President Donald Trump, has ordered Hunter Biden to appear in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 26. The judge will preside over the case against him, following a five-year criminal investigation that resulted in federal charges.

Hunter Biden has been charged with two counts of failure to pay income tax and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, Hunter Biden has agreed to plead guilty to the tax offenses and enter into a pretrial diversion agreement for the firearm charge at the upcoming hearing. This agreement may help him avoid prison time.

Legal experts believe that if the plea deal is accepted, Hunter Biden will likely face dismissal of charges or a lighter punishment.

Christopher Clark, Hunter Biden’s lawyer, stated that he understands the five-year investigation has now been resolved. Clark emphasized that Hunter Biden takes responsibility for his mistakes during a difficult period in his life and is committed to his recovery.

However, despite the plea deal, the investigation remains ongoing, according to U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss.

Details of Charges

During the court appearance on July 26, Hunter Biden is expected to formally plead guilty to two counts of failing to file and pay federal income taxes on time in 2017 and 2018.

According to court documents, Hunter Biden received over $1.5 million in taxable income for each of those years but willfully failed to pay the required taxes.

Both counts are misdemeanors and carry a possible penalty of up to one year in prison each.

In addition to the tax charges, Hunter Biden is also facing a separate charge for illegally purchasing a handgun in 2018.

The indictment states that Hunter Biden, knowing he was an unlawful user and addicted to a controlled substance, possessed a firearm that had been transported in interstate commerce. This charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

News outlets have reported that Hunter Biden possessed a gun in 2018 and admitted to using crack cocaine during that time.

Reactions

The White House responded to Hunter Biden’s guilty plea to federal crimes, stating that the President and First Lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life.